Single-handed operable surgical instrument including loop electrode with integrated pad electrode

ABSTRACT

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft extending from the handle portion, a pad electrode coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a loop electrode configured to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode extends outwardly from a distal end of the shaft in a manner capable of receiving tissue, to a non-deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode is disposed proximate to the distal end of the shaft, to treat tissue.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/841,975, filed Sep. 1, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/055,328, filed on Sep. 25, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices, such as soft tissue radio-frequency (RF) transection and resection devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to single-handed operable electrosurgical instruments including a loop electrode with an integrated pad electrode.

BACKGROUND

Electrosurgical methods are widely used in the operative field since electrosurgery generally reduces patient bleeding associated with tissue cutting, transecting and/or resecting procedures. Two widely accepted methods of electrosurgery are performed, namely, monopolar electrosurgery and bipolar electrosurgery.

In monopolar electrosurgery, devices use an instrument with a single, active electrode to deliver energy from an electrosurgical generator to tissue, and a patient return electrode or pad that is attached externally to the patient as the means to complete the electrical circuit between the electrosurgical generator and the patient. When the electrosurgical energy is applied, the energy travels from the active electrode, to the surgical site, through the patient and to the return electrode.

Alternatively, in bipolar electrosurgery, both the active electrode and return electrode functions are performed at the site of surgery. Bipolar electrosurgical devices include two electrodes that are located in proximity to one another for the application of current between their surfaces. Bipolar electrosurgical current travels from one electrode, through the intervening tissue to the other electrode to complete the electrical circuit.

Monopolar tissue cutting devices such as snares are known which employ RF energy, applied between the snare loop and a grounding pad, to provide a cutting arc. The cutting arc passes through the tissue as the snare loop is tightened around the polyp cauterizing the lesion and assisting the snare in excising the polyp.

Bipolar snares have also been developed which are formed by two electrode wires electrically insulated from each other. Alternatively, a snare loop may be formed from a first electrode wire while a second electrode wire is exposed at an end of the lumen. As the bipolar snare is tightened around the polyp and RF energy is applied across the two electrodes, the polyp is severed from the surrounding tissue.

Various configurations of snares have been developed to position and tighten fine-gauge, flexible, adjustable wire loops around a region of tissue (e.g., polyps) through an endoscope for mechanical or electrosurgical resection and hemostasis. Gastrointestinal snares, for example, typically consist of a hollow tubular structure, e.g., a cannula, with one or more adjustable wire loops that protrude at the working end. The snare loops may be made of monofilament or braided wires that are attached at the proximal end to an electrosurgical (usually monopolar) unit that provides RF energy between the isolated metal loop, which functions as an active electrode, and an external neutral electrode to heat the tissue and facilitate resection and cauterization. During a supracervical hysterectomy, cervical transections can be one of the more difficult steps to the procedure. In order to save time and provide a smooth, uncharred cervical face, electrosurgical snares are often used. These are typically monopolar snares, which are operated two-handedly.

Transection and/or resection of soft tissues may pose particular difficulties during electrosurgical operations and may require unique electrosurgical instruments, systems, techniques and the like for operating thereon.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to single-handedly operable electrosurgical instruments including a loop electrode with an integrated pad electrode.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a handle portion, a shaft extending from the handle portion, a pad electrode coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a loop electrode configured to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode extends outwardly from a distal end of the shaft in a manner capable of receiving tissue, to a non-deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode is disposed proximate to the distal end of the shaft, to treat tissue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a shaft, a pad electrode assembly coupled to the shaft, and a loop electrode configured to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration wherein the loop electrode extends outwardly from a distal end of the shaft in a manner capable of receiving tissue, to a non-deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode is disposed proximate to the distal end of the shaft, to treat tissue. The pad electrode assembly includes an actuator member and one or more arm members. Each of the one or more arm members includes an end portion formed of an electrically-conductive material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects and features of the presently-disclosed single-handedly operable electrosurgical instrument including a loop electrode with an integrated pad electrode will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when descriptions of various embodiments thereof are read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical instrument including a loop electrode with an integrated pad electrode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 1 showing the loop electrode in a deployed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 1 showing the loop electrode and the pad electrode in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of an electrosurgical device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a portion of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 1 with the loop electrode in a deployed configuration and the pad electrode disposed proximate to tissue to be cut in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a schematic view of a portion of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 1 after transaction of tissue with the loop electrode in a non-deployed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of an electrosurgical instrument in a first configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 8A in a second configuration in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 8A in a third configuration in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument including a loop electrode with an integrated pad electrode in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a handle portion of the electrosurgical in instrument in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the presently-disclosed single-handedly operable electrosurgical instrument including a loop electrode with an integrated pad electrode are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures. As shown in the drawings and as used in this description, and as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on an object, the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the device, or component thereof, closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to that portion of the device, or component thereof, farther from the user.

This description may use the phrases “in an embodiment,” “in embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or “in other embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

As it is used in this description, “electrically conductive,” or simply “conductive,” generally refers to materials that are capable of electrical conductivity, including, without limitation, materials that are highly conductive, e.g., metals and alloys, or materials that are semi-conductive, e.g., semi-conducting materials and composites.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide electrosurgical instruments configured to provide bipolar electrosurgical energy, which may be suitable for sealing, cauterizing, coagulating, desiccating, and/or cutting tissue. Embodiments of the presently-disclosed electrosurgical instruments may be suitable for utilization in endoscopic surgical procedures and/or suitable for utilization in open surgical applications. Embodiments of the presently-disclosed electrosurgical instruments include a loop electrode adapted to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration to a non-deployed configuration to treat tissue. Embodiments of the presently-disclosed electrosurgical instruments include a handle portion adapted to exert a biasing force on the loop electrode.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument 101 is shown for use with various surgical procedures and generally includes an energy-delivery portion 100 and a handle portion 70. Energy-delivery portion 100 includes an elongated shaft 50 defining a central lumen 51 therethrough, a pad electrode 20 disposed at the distal end 53 of the shaft 50, and a loop electrode 10. Loop electrode 10 is adapted to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration, as shown for example in FIG. 7A, to a non-deployed configuration, as shown for example in FIG. 7B, to treat tissue “T.” An embodiment of the energy-delivery portion 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 5. It is to be understood, however, that other energy-delivery portion embodiments (e.g., the energy-delivery portion 400 shown in FIG. 4, the energy-delivery portion 600 shown in FIG. 6, the energy-delivery portion 800 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, and the energy-delivery portion 900 shown in FIG. 9) may also be used. One or more components of the electrosurgical instrument 101, e.g., the handle portion 70, the pad electrode 20, and the loop electrode 10, may be adapted to mutually cooperate to seal and/or divide tissue. Electrosurgical instrument 101 may include additional, fewer, or different components than shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, depending upon a particular purpose or to achieve a desired result.

Handle portion 70 generally includes a first arm member 71, a second arm member 72, and a guide member 78. The first and second arm members 71 and 72, respectively, are movably mounted about a pivot 19 that allows the first and second arm members 71 and 72 to pivot relative to one another. In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first arm member 71 is slideably coupled to the guide member 78. In addition, or alternatively, the second arm member 72 may be pivotally mounted to the guide member 78 in fixed relation to the proximal end of the energy-delivery portion 100. The shape and size of the first arm member 71 and the second arm member 72 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In some embodiments, loop members 75 and 76 may be coupled to, or otherwise operably associated with, the first and second arm members 71 and 72, respectively. Each loop member 75 and 76 defines a finger and/or thumb hole therethrough for receiving the user's finger or thumb. Finger and/or thumb holes facilitate movement of first and second arm members 71 and 72 relative to one another to translate the loop electrode 10 from a non-deployed configuration, as shown for example in FIG. 1, to a deployed configuration, as shown for example in FIG. 2, and/or to translate the loop electrode 10 from a deployed configuration, as shown for example in FIG. 7A, to a non-deployed configuration, as shown for example in FIG. 7B, to treat tissue “T.”

Electrosurgical instrument 101 includes a linkage 74, e.g., an elongated, rod-like or wire-like member, coupled to the first arm member 71 and extending distally therefrom. In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distal end of the linkage 74 is disposed within the central lumen 51 of the shaft 50. As can be appreciated, applying force to move the first arm member 71 toward the second arm member 72 pushes the linkage member 74 distally, which, in turn, translates the loop electrode 10 to a deployed configuration wherein the loop electrode 10 extends outwardly from a distal end 53 of the shaft 50, e.g., in a manner capable of receiving tissue. Linkage 74 may be operatively connected to one end of electrode 10 as shown or a second linkage may be connected to the other end of electrode 10.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 2, a biasing member 79 is provided (e.g., disposed within the handle portion 70) and configured to bias the loop electrode 10. In some embodiments, the biasing member 79 may be different types of springs, e.g., a torsion spring, or other structures that provide biasing characteristics. In some embodiments, the biasing member 79 is configured to exert a constant force or a near-constant force on the loop electrode 10. In other embodiments, the biasing member 79 may be an electric motor, in which case, a switch (not shown) may be provided, e.g., operably associated with the handle portion 70, to enable the user to selectively activate the biasing member 79. As can be appreciated, allowing the first arm member 71 to move away from the second arm member 72, under the force exerted by the biasing member 79, pulls the linkage member 74 proximally, which, in turn, translates the loop electrode 10 to a non-deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode 10 is disposed proximate to the distal end 53 of the shaft 50.

Electrosurgical instrument 101 includes a transmission line, which may connect directly to an electrosurgical energy source 28. The transmission line may be formed from a suitable flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid cable, and may be internally divided into one or more cable leads, e.g., leads each of which transmits bipolar energy through their respective feed paths to the loop electrode 10 and the pad electrode 20 as associated with energy source 28. In some embodiments, the loop electrode 10 and the pad electrode 20 are electrically coupled to opposite terminals, e.g., positive or active (+) and negative or return (−) terminals associated with the electrosurgical energy source 28. In this manner, bipolar energy may be provided through the loop electrode 10 and the pad electrode 20 to tissue. Electrosurgical energy source 28 may be any generator suitable for use with electrosurgical devices. Examples of generators that may be suitable for use as a source of RF energy are commercially available under the trademark FORCE TRIAD™ offered by Covidien Surgical Solutions of Boulder, Colo. Electrosurgical instrument 101 may alternatively be configured as a wireless device or battery-powered.

As shown in FIG. 3, energy-delivery portion 100 generally includes a first tubular member 30 and a second tubular member 40. First and second tubular members 30 and 40 are configured to moveably receive the loop electrode 10 therein. First tubular member 30 includes an end portion 33 that extends from the distal end 53 of the shaft 50 and includes an elongated portion 32 (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3) disposed within the central lumen 51 of the shaft 50. Second tubular member 40 includes an end portion 43 that extends from the distal end 53 of the shaft 50 and includes an elongated portion 42 (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3) disposed within the central lumen 51 of the shaft 50. In some embodiments, the first tubular member 30 may include a portion 31 disposed within the handle portion 70, and/or the second tubular member 40 may include a portion 41 disposed within the handle portion 70. First and second tubular members 30 and 40 may be formed of any suitable electrically non-conductive material. In some embodiments, the first and second tubular members 30 and 40 may be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., Teflon®, manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., United States).

Loop electrode 10 and the pad electrode 20 may be formed of any suitable electrically-conductive material. In some embodiments, the pad electrode 20 may be made of a metal or alloy, e.g., phosphor bronze, and may have a thickness of about 10 millimeters. In some embodiments, the loop electrode 10 is made from tungsten or stainless steel, and may have an outer diameter that ranges from about 0.009 inches to about 0.014 inches.

Pad electrode 20 may be coupled to the shaft 50 in any suitable manner, e.g., adhesively bonded and/or welded. Electrosurgical instrument 101 generally includes an electrical lead 80, e.g., a wire, electrically-coupled to the pad electrode 20. Electrical lead 80 may be electrically-coupled to the pad electrode 20 by any suitable manner of electrical connection, e.g., soldering, welding, or laser welding. It is to be understood that the dashed lines indicative of electrical connections (e.g., electrical conductors) between various components of the energy-delivery portion 100 are merely illustrative and non-limiting examples of electrical connections, and that energy-delivery portion embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize many different configurations of electrical connections, some with fewer, or additional, electrical connections than depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pad electrode 20 includes a first portion 21 having a first convex edge 22 and a second portion 25 having a second convex edge 26. First and second convex edges 22 and 26 are spaced apart from one another by first and second openings 27 and 29, respectively, defined therebetween. In some embodiments, the first and second openings 27 and 29 are configured to allow portions (e.g., end portions 33 and 43) of the first and second tubular members 30 and 40, respectively, to pass therethrough. End portions 33 and 43 of the first and second tubular members 30 and 40, respectively, may be configured to electrically-isolate the loop electrode 10 from the pad electrode 20. In some embodiments, the end portions 33 and 43 of the first and second tubular members 30 and 40, respectively, may be configured to extend about 0.06 inches distally from the pad electrode 20. End portions 33 and 43 may additionally, or alternatively, be configured to protrude at an angle slightly outward from the surface normal of the pad electrode 20.

In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the pad electrode 20 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 50. In some embodiments, the first and second openings 27 and 29 are generally slot-shaped with a width of about 0.05 inches and a length of about 0.06 inches. The shape and size of the first opening 27 and the second opening 29 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 5.

Once tissue “T” is properly positioned within the loop electrode 10 and the pad electrode 20 is positioned adjacent to tissue “T” to be cut, as illustratively depicted in FIG. 7A, the loop electrode 10 functions as an active electrode and the pad electrode 20 functions as a return electrode during activation such that energy flows from the active electrode through tissue “T” positioned within the loop electrode 10 to the return electrode. During operation of the electrosurgical instrument 101, the loop electrode 10 is selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration (FIG. 7A) to a non-deployed configuration (FIG. 7B), e.g., to sever tissue “T.”

In FIG. 6, an energy-delivery portion 600 of an electrosurgical instrument is shown for use with various surgical procedures and generally includes an elongated shaft 650, a support structure 690 disposed at the distal end 653 of the shaft 650, a pad electrode 620 coupled to the support structure 690, and a loop electrode 610. As shown in FIG. 6, energy-delivery portion 600 includes a first tubular member 630 and a second tubular member 640. First and second tubular members 630 and 640 are configured to moveably receive the loop electrode 610 therein, and may be formed of any suitable electrically non-conductive material. Energy-delivery portion 600 may include any feature or combination of features of the energy-delivery portion embodiments disclosed herein.

Support structure 690 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, and may be formed by any suitable process, e.g., injection molding. In some embodiments, the support structure 690 is formed of an electrically non-conductive material such as polymeric materials, e.g., plastics, and/or other insulative materials. Support structure 690 includes first and second apertures 627 and 629 defined therethrough. In some embodiments, the first and second apertures 627 and 629 are configured to receive a portion of the first and second tubular members 630 and 640, respectively, therein. Support structure 690 may include a third aperture 625 configured to facilitate an electrical connection between the electrical lead 680 and the pad electrode 620. In some embodiments, the support structure 690 may be overmolded onto the distal end 653 of the shaft 650.

In some embodiments, the first and second tubular members 630 and 640 include an end portion 633 and 643, respectively, that extends from the distal side 693 of the support structure 690. End portions 633 and 643 of the first and second tubular members 630 and 640, respectively, may be configured to electrically-isolate the loop electrode 610 from the pad electrode 620. Support structure 690 may additionally, or alternatively, be configured to electrically-isolate the loop electrode 610 from the pad electrode 620.

In FIGS. 8A-8C, an energy-delivery portion 800 of an electrosurgical instrument is shown for use with various surgical procedures and generally includes a loop electrode 810, a pad electrode assembly 890, and an elongated shaft 850 defining a central lumen 851 therethrough. Energy-delivery portion 800 includes a first tubular member 830 and a second tubular member 840. First and second tubular members 830 and 840 are disposed within the lumen 851 of the shaft 850 and configured to moveably receive the loop electrode 810 therein, and may be formed of any suitable electrically non-conductive material. Loop electrode 810 and the first and second tubular members 830 and 840 are similar to the loop electrode 10 and the first and second tubular members 30 and 40, respectively, shown in FIG. 1. Further description of like elements is omitted in the interests of brevity. Energy-delivery portion 800 may include any feature or combination of features of the energy-delivery portion embodiments disclosed herein.

Pad electrode assembly 890 generally includes an actuator member 892 having a first end 893 and a second end 894 disposed opposite the first end 893. As shown in FIG. 8A, the actuator member 892 defines a longitudinal axis “A-A”, wherein the longitudinal axis “A-A” is substantially parallel to or aligned with a traverse axis “AA-AA” defined by the first and second tubular members 830 and 840. The shape and size of the actuator member 892 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIGS. 8A-8C.

In some embodiments, the pad electrode assembly 890 includes two arm members 870 a and 870 b (also referred to herein as “first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b”) moveably coupled to the first and second ends 893 and 894, respectively, of the actuator member 892. First and second arm members 870 a and 870 b may be pivotably mounted with respect to the actuator member 892, e.g., mounted about pivot pins (not explicitly shown). First and second arm members 870 a and 870 b may additionally, or alternatively, be configured to be moveably coupled to the shaft 850.

First and second arm members 870 a and 870 b may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b (e.g., end portions 871 a and 871 b, respectively) may be formed of an electrically-conductive material. The shape and size of the electrically-conductive portions of the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIGS. 8A-8C.

First and second arm members 870 a and 870 b define first and second apertures 864 a and 864 b, respectively, configured to allow the loop electrode 810 to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 8A-8C, the first and second apertures 864 a and 864 b are generally slot-shaped openings associated with portions of the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b disposed proximate to the first and second ends 893 and 894, respectively, of the actuator member 892. The shape, size, and relative position (e.g., in relation to actuator member 892) of the first and second apertures 864 a and 864 b may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIGS. 8A-8C.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 8A-8C, the pad electrode assembly 890 includes elongated slots 868 a and 868 b defined in side portions of the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b, respectively, and pins 869 a and 869 b operably engaged with the elongated slots 868 a and 868 b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8A, the pins 869 a and 869 b are coupled to attachment members 885 a and 885 b, respectively, which, in turn, are coupled to the shaft 850. In some embodiments, the attachment members 885 a and 885 b may be formed of an elastomeric material. In other embodiments, portions of the attachment members 885 a and 885 b may be slideably receivable with the central lumen 851 of the shaft 850.

Pad electrode assembly 890 may include one or more arm members (e.g., two arm members 870 a and 870 b) of varied geometries, e.g., lengths and curvatures, or having additional, fewer, or different features than the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b, such that variously-configured pad electrode assemblies may be fabricated and assembled, e.g., depending upon design of specialized electrosurgical instruments.

Actuator member 892 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the actuator member 892 may include an electrically-conductive tissue-engaging surface 891 disposed between the first end 893 and the second end 894 thereof. One or more portions of the surfaces of the actuator member 892 may include an electrically non-conductive material, e.g., electrically-insulative coating. In some embodiments, the actuator member 892 may be formed entirely of an electrically non-conductive material.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 8A-8C, the energy-delivery portion 800 includes a biasing member 879 coupled to the actuator member 892. A centering bearing 878 may be coupled between the electrical lead 880 and the biasing member 879.

Pad electrode assembly 890 is adapted to be transitioned, upon the application of force “F” to the actuator member 892 (as indicated by the straight arrow in FIG. 8A), from a first configuration (FIG. 8A) wherein the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b are positioned proximate to the shaft 850, to one or more different configurations (e.g., a second configuration shown in FIG. 8B and a third configuration shown in FIG. 8C) wherein the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b are extended outwardly in relation to the shaft 850 (as indicated by the curved arrows in FIG. 8A). As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the first and second apertures 864 a and 864 b of the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b are configured to allow the loop electrode 810 to pass therethrough when the pad electrode assembly 890 is disposed in the first configuration (FIG. 8A), the second configuration (FIG. 8B), or the third configuration (FIG. 8C).

In some embodiments, the loop electrode 810 and one or more portions of the pad electrode assembly 890 (e.g., end portions 871 a and 871 b of the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b, respectively) are electrically coupled to opposite terminals, e.g., positive or active (+) and negative or return (−) terminals associated with an electrosurgical energy source (e.g., energy source 28 shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments wherein the first and second arm members 870 a and 870 b include electrically-conductive end portions 871 a and 871 b, respectively, when the pad electrode assembly 890 is disposed in the second configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the loop electrode 810 functions as an active electrode and the end portions 871 a and 871 b function as return electrodes during activation such that energy flows from the active electrode through tissue positioned within the loop electrode 810 to the return electrodes.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the shaft 850 may be covered by any suitable material. Electrosurgical instrument 800 may include additional, fewer, or different components than shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, depending upon a particular purpose or to achieve a desired result.

In FIG. 9, an energy-delivery portion 900 of an electrosurgical instrument is shown for use with various surgical procedures and includes a pad electrode assembly 990. Energy-delivery portion 900 generally includes a loop electrode 910, an elongated shaft 950, and first and second tubular members 930 and 940. Loop electrode 910, the elongated shaft 950, and the first and second tubular members 930 and 940 are similar to the loop electrode 810, the elongated shaft 850, and the first and second tubular members 830 and 840, respectively, shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. Further description of like elements is omitted in the interests of brevity. Energy-delivery portion 900 may include any feature or combination of features of the energy-delivery portion embodiments disclosed herein.

Pad electrode assembly 990 generally includes an actuator member 992 having a first end 993 and a second end 994 disposed opposite the first end 993. As shown in FIG. 9, actuator member 992 defines a longitudinal axis “A-A”, wherein the longitudinal axis “A-A” is substantially perpendicular to the traverse axis “AA-AA” defined by the first and second tubular members 630 and 640. The shape and size of the actuator member 992 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 9.

In comparison to the energy-delivery portion 800 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, wherein the longitudinal axis “A-A” defined by the pad electrode assembly 890 is substantially parallel to the traverse axis “AA-AA” defined by the first and second tubular members 830 and 840, the pad electrode assembly 990 of FIG. 9 may include one or more arm members configured to position return electrodes along a direction orthogonal to the loop electrode 910 (i.e., as opposed to in alignment with the loop electrode 910).

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 9, the pad electrode assembly 990 includes two arm members 970 a and 970 b (also referred to herein as “first and second arm members 970 a and 970 b”) moveably coupled to the first and second ends 993 and 994, respectively, of the actuator member 992. First and second arm members 970 a and 970 b may be pivotably mounted with respect to the actuator member 992, e.g., mounted about pivot pins (not explicitly shown).

First and second arm members 970 a and 970 b may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the first and second arm members 970 a and 970 b (e.g., end portions 971 a and 971 b, respectively) may be formed of an electrically-conductive material. The shape and size of the electrically-conductive portions the first and second arm members 970 a and 970 b may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 9, the pad electrode assembly 990 includes elongated slots 968 a and 968 b defined in side portions of the first and second arm members 970 a and 970 b, respectively, and pins 969 a and 969 b operably engaged with the elongated slots 968 a and 968 b, respectively. Pins 969 a and 969 b are coupled to attachment members (e.g., attachment members 885 a and 885 b, respectively, shown in FIG. 8A) which, in turn, are coupled to the shaft 950.

Pad electrode assembly 990 may include one or more arm members (e.g., two arm members 970 a and 970 b) of varied geometries, e.g., lengths and curvatures, or having additional, fewer, or different features than the first and second arm members 970 a and 970 b, such that variously-configured pad electrode assemblies may be fabricated and assembled, e.g., depending upon design of specialized electrosurgical instruments.

Actuator member 992 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the actuator member 992 may include an electrically-conductive tissue-engaging surface 991 disposed between the first end 993 and the second end 994 thereof. One or more portions of the surfaces of the actuator member 992 may include an electrically non-conductive material, e.g., electrically-insulative coating. In some embodiments, the actuator member 992 may be formed entirely of an electrically non-conductive material.

Pad electrode assembly 990 is adapted to be transitioned, upon the application of force “F” to the actuator member 992 (as indicated by the straight arrow in FIG. 9), from a first configuration (FIG. 9) wherein the first and second arm members 970 a and 970 b are positioned proximate to the shaft 950, to at least a second configuration wherein the first and second arm members 970 a and 970 b are extended outwardly in relation to the shaft 950 (as indicated by the curved arrows in FIG. 9).

In FIG. 10, an embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument 201 is shown for use with various surgical procedures and generally includes an energy-delivery portion 200 including an elongated shaft 250, a pad electrode 220 disposed at the distal end of the shaft 250, tubular portions 233 and 243 extending distally from the shaft, and a loop electrode 210. Loop electrode 210 is adapted to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration to a non-deployed configuration to treat tissue (e.g., tissue “T” shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B). Loop electrode 210, the pad electrode 220, the tubular portions 233 and 243, and the shaft 250 are similar to the loop electrode 10, the pad electrode 20, the tubular portions 33 and 43, and the shaft 50, respectively, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Further description of like elements is omitted in the interests of brevity. Energy-delivery portion 200 may include any feature or combination of features of the energy-delivery portion embodiments disclosed herein.

Electrosurgical instrument 201 generally includes a handle portion 270 configured to support the shaft 250. The shape and size of the handle portion 270 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 10. Electrosurgical instrument 201 includes a transmission line 215, which may connect directly to an energy source (e.g., electrosurgical energy source 28 shown in FIG. 3). The transmission line may be formed from a suitable flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid cable, and may be internally divided into one or more cable leads (e.g., leads each of which transmits energy through their respective feed paths to the loop electrode 210 and the pad electrode 220.

Electrosurgical instrument 201 includes a slide member 290 slidably coupled to the shaft 250. Slide member 290 is coupled at its distal end to the loop electrode 210. In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 10, a biasing member 279 is provided (e.g., disposed within the handle portion 270) and configured to bias the slide member 290 and/or the loop electrode 210. In some embodiments, the biasing member 279 may be different types of springs, e.g., a torsion spring, or other structures that provide biasing characteristics. In some embodiments, the biasing member 279 is configured to exert a constant force or a near-constant force on the slide member 290 and/or the loop electrode 210. As can be appreciated, allowing the slide member 290 to move proximally under the force exerted by the biasing member 279 translates the loop electrode 210 to a non-deployed configuration.

In FIG. 11, an embodiment of a handle member 70′ including a first arm member 71′ and a second arm member 72′ is shown. Handle member 70′ includes a sensor 1000 electrically coupled to generator 28. Sensor 1000 may be a potentiometer or switch that outputs a signal indicative of the position of the first arm member 71′ relative to the second arm member 72′. The position of the first arm member 71′ relative to the second arm member 72′ is indicative of a position of the loop electrode 10. Based on the signal outputted to generator 28, generator 28 may alter the bipolar energy output and terminate the bipolar energy output once the tissue “T” is thoroughly cut through.

The above-described single-handed operable electrosurgical instruments are configured to provide bipolar electrosurgical energy and include a shaft and a loop electrode with an integrated pad electrode. The above-described loop electrode is configured to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode extends outwardly from a distal end of the shaft in a manner capable of receiving tissue, to a non-deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode is disposed proximate to the distal end of the shaft.

The above-described electrosurgical instruments configured to provide bipolar electrosurgical energy may be suitable for utilization in endoscopic surgical procedures and/or suitable for utilization in open surgical applications.

The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon in the operating theater and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely-steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely-flexible surgical systems, remotely-articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely-operated surgical systems, etc.

The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely controls the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

Although embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood that the disclosed processes and apparatus are not to be construed as limited thereby. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the foregoing embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a shaft; a pad electrode assembly movably coupled to the shaft, the pad electrode assembly including an actuator member and at least one arm member extending from the actuator member; and a loop electrode extending over the pad electrode assembly and configured to selectively transition relative to the shaft between a deployed position and a non-deployed position to treat tissue.
 2. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the actuator member includes an electrically non-conductive material.
 3. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the actuator member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-engaging surface.
 4. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the pad electrode assembly includes: an elongated slot defined in a side portion of the at least one arm member; and a pin operably engaged with the elongated slot.
 5. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 4, further comprising an attachment member coupled to the pin.
 6. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 5, wherein the attachment member is coupled to the shaft and includes an elastomeric material.
 7. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the attachment member is slidably receivable within a lumen defined through the shaft.
 8. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising: a first tubular member at least partially disposed within a lumen of the shaft; and a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the lumen of the shaft, wherein the first and second tubular members enable the loop electrode to move therethrough.
 9. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the actuator member defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a traverse axis defined by the first and second tubular members.
 10. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the actuator member defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to a traverse axis defined by the first and second tubular members.
 11. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a handle portion; a shaft extending from the handle portion; a pad electrode coupled to the shaft, the pad electrode defining a first opening and a second opening therethrough; and a loop electrode configured to selectively transition between a deployed position and a non-deployed position to treat tissue, the loop electrode having a first end and a second end, the first end extending through the first opening of the pad electrode, the second end extending through the second opening of the pad electrode.
 12. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 11, further comprising: a first tubular member at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by the shaft; and a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the lumen defined by the shaft, wherein the first and second tubular members are configured to receive the loop electrode therein.
 13. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the first tubular member and the second tubular member are moveable within the shaft.
 14. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the first tubular member includes an end portion that extends from a distal end of the shaft.
 15. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the second tubular member includes an end portion that extends from the distal end of the shaft.
 16. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument of claim 15, wherein the end portions of the first and second tubular members are configured to electrically-isolate the loop electrode from the pad electrode.
 17. The bipolar surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the handle portion includes a sensor configured to indicate a position of the loop electrode.
 18. The bipolar surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein in the non-deployed configuration, the loop electrode is disposed proximate to the distal end of the shaft.
 19. The bipolar surgical instrument of claim 11, further comprising a torsion spring configured to exert a force on the loop electrode.
 20. The bipolar surgical instrument of claim 19, wherein the torsion spring is disposed in the handle portion. 